The UP Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) continued its winning streak by warding off the Adamson University Soaring Falcon’s (AdU) late rally, 82-70, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Nov. 4 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
This is the sixth consecutive victory for the UP Fighting Maroons, maintaining their top spot in the team standings with an 8-2 win-loss record.
After an erratic start, the UPMBT settled into the game and gradually took control. Led by James Payosing’s aggressive offense and timely sniping from the rainbow territory from his teammates, the UP Fighting Maroons built their biggest lead of the game, 59-44, capped by Payosing’ layup at the 3:32 mark of the third quarter.
The Soaring Falcons, however, refused to fold. Earl Medina knocked down a corner triple to cut UPMBT’s lead to eight points, 70-62, still with more than five minutes left to play.
UPMBT quickly answered. Veejay Pre sank a jumper before Rey Remogat took over with a booming triple and a scoop layup, restoring UPMBT’s cushion and putting the game out of AdU’s reach.
Payosing led the UP Fighting Maroons with 15 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Dikachi Ududo delivered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Dimaculangan added 11 points and three rebounds.
The UP Fighting Maroons return to action against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Nov. 7, 6 p.m. at the same venue.